Passed on Sunday, 22 May 2016
The Rev. Raymond L. Shoup, 83, who served churches in Connecticut and Indiana before retiring to Massachusetts, died peacefully on May 22, 2016.
The Rev. Shoup was Pastor Emeritus at Center Congregational Church in Torrington, Connecticut, where he had served as pastor from 1970 to 1999. From 1962 to 1970, he served first as assistant pastor and then senior pastor of the First Congregational Church in Stamford, Connecticut.
“Ray Shoup had a significant influence on so many young people in the Stamford Church," said Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent. J. Siladi. "He was a gentle unassuming man who deeply loved God and the people of the churches where he worked. He had a heart for young people and his impact on our lives will live forever."
Former United Church of Christ General Minister and President John Thomas also had fond memories of the Rev. Shoup's ministry.
"All across the country, in the church and beyond, there is a grateful community of people who remember Ray and his wife Jan as the mentors, the spiritual guides, the moral compass, and in many cases a second set of parents who led us through our teenage years," Thomas said. "Their delight in us continues to encourage and bless us many years after our Pilgrim Fellowship experiences in Stamford and Torrington.”
In recent years, the Rev. Shoup was a member of the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville, MA and held ministerial standing in the Franklin Association. He lived in Douglas, Massachusetts.
Before coming to Connecticut, he served as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Angola, Indiana, from 1959 to 1962. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School in 1957, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Hartford in 1974.
The Rev. Shoup leaves Jan Dodder Shoup, his wife of 60 years who was also his partner in Christian ministry; his daughter, Catherine, and her husband, Sean Kane, of Wallingford, Connecticut; his daughter, Lynda Shoup, and granddaughter, Madeleine Ooka, of Douglas, Massachusetts; and his son, David Shoup, of Loveland, Colorado.
Visiting hours were 10 - 11 AM on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the Village Church in Whitinsville, MA. A memorial service began at 11 AM with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Little Angels Service Dogs, P.O. Box 219, Jamul, CA 91935. His love of animals and his service to those in need made this a special cause dear to him.
Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville, is assisting the family. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carrfuneralhome.com.
The Rev. Shoup was Pastor Emeritus at Center Congregational Church in Torrington, Connecticut, where he had served as pastor from 1970 to 1999. From 1962 to 1970, he served first as assistant pastor and then senior pastor of the First Congregational Church in Stamford, Connecticut.
“Ray Shoup had a significant influence on so many young people in the Stamford Church," said Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent. J. Siladi. "He was a gentle unassuming man who deeply loved God and the people of the churches where he worked. He had a heart for young people and his impact on our lives will live forever."
Former United Church of Christ General Minister and President John Thomas also had fond memories of the Rev. Shoup's ministry.
"All across the country, in the church and beyond, there is a grateful community of people who remember Ray and his wife Jan as the mentors, the spiritual guides, the moral compass, and in many cases a second set of parents who led us through our teenage years," Thomas said. "Their delight in us continues to encourage and bless us many years after our Pilgrim Fellowship experiences in Stamford and Torrington.”
In recent years, the Rev. Shoup was a member of the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville, MA and held ministerial standing in the Franklin Association. He lived in Douglas, Massachusetts.
Before coming to Connecticut, he served as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Angola, Indiana, from 1959 to 1962. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School in 1957, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Hartford in 1974.
The Rev. Shoup leaves Jan Dodder Shoup, his wife of 60 years who was also his partner in Christian ministry; his daughter, Catherine, and her husband, Sean Kane, of Wallingford, Connecticut; his daughter, Lynda Shoup, and granddaughter, Madeleine Ooka, of Douglas, Massachusetts; and his son, David Shoup, of Loveland, Colorado.
Visiting hours were 10 - 11 AM on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the Village Church in Whitinsville, MA. A memorial service began at 11 AM with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Little Angels Service Dogs, P.O. Box 219, Jamul, CA 91935. His love of animals and his service to those in need made this a special cause dear to him.
Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville, is assisting the family. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carrfuneralhome.com.